Wakulla County Welcomes New Veteran Services Director

County Administrator Benjamin Pingree announced the hiring of James “JD” Johnson as the new Veteran Services Director at the March 11, 2008 Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting. Mr. Johnson has taken the place of the previous Veteran Services Director, Alfred Nelson who is now directing the County’s Housing Services Division. “I’m confident in Mr. Johnson’s ability to raise the bar and provide the services needed for the Veterans of Wakulla County”, commented Mr. Pingree.

{sidebar id=1}Mr. Johnson has a wide range of experience to include 20 years in the Army as an electrician technician to include, management, supervisory and leadership skills. In addition to Mr. Johnson’s military background, he was also an advocate for Veterans for 13 years with Workforce Plus as the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP). Mr. Johnson’s role and responsibilities were to facilitate intensive service to veterans with special employment and training needs, and provide career guidance.

The Wakulla County Veteran Services Officer assists over 3005 veterans and their dependents in obtaining local and extended health care benefits and treatment, transportation, necessary medical prosthetic items, adaptive equipment, filing for claims, compensation and pension assistance, and payment of medical bills. In addition, the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioner’s has created an “Active Military Combat Duty Grant” to qualified military personnel who are serving or have served in combat duty and who have established a homestead in Wakulla County.

“As your Wakulla County Veteran Services Officer, I will continue the fine standards set by Mr. Nelson because I am a disabled veteran with compassion and a vested interest in this community”, commented Mr. Johnson. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Mr. Johnson at the Veteran Services Office, (850) 926-1072.

- Submitted by Jessica Welch

This article originally published on March 14, 2008.

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